Smoked Salmon Brine
A flavorful brine for making delicious smoked salmon that enhances flavor and moisture retention.
Ingredients
Brine Ingredients
- 1 cup kosher salt Use high-quality coarse salt.
- 1 cup sugar Brown sugar or maple sugar recommended.
- ½ cup soy sauce Adds a rich umami flavor.
- 1 cup water Used to dissolve the brine ingredients.
- ½ cup dry white wine Adds acidity and depth of flavor.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 dash hot sauce Optional for added heat.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a bowl, mix all the brine ingredients until they dissolve completely.
- Ensure the brine is well combined before use.
Brining the Salmon
- Brine the salmon according to the recommended times based on the thickness of the cut: Thin fillets for 4 hours, medium cuts for 6 hours, and thick fillets for 8 hours.
- Rinse the salmon after brining to remove excess salt and sugar.
- Pat the salmon dry with paper towels.
Notes
Store your brine in a cool place and make sure to not over-brine your salmon. Watch for signs that indican the fish is ready such as firmness and a dull appearance.